Terapeutic Potential of Microencapsulated Sertoli Cells in Huntington Disease.

Summary Introduction Immune dysfunction, promoted by pro-inflammatory cytokines, plays a pivotal role in neurodegeneration associated with Huntington's disease. Aims The aim of this study was to investigate the emerging immunoregulatory and antiinflammatory properties of Sertoli cells in Huntington's disease. Methods The experimental R6/2 mouse model of Huntington's disease was treated by a single intraperitoneal injection of microencapsulated prepubertal porcine Sertoli cells and lifespan, motor performance and striatal inflammatory pattern have been evaluated. Results The results of this study demonstrated that a single intraperitoneal injection of microencapsulated prepubertal porcine Sertoli cells uniquely improved performances and extended the life expectancy of R6/2 Huntington's disease mice, by immune dysfunction modulation in brain. Conclusions This study highlights the immunomodulatory and trophic role of Sertoli cells that could be of help in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.